Smits Law Office L.L.C.

About Me

I have lived in Minnesota since 1975. I graduated from William Mitchell College of Law and have an undergraduate Decree in Psychology and Communications from Metropolitan State University. In college, I was on the Dean's List and belonged to Phi Theta Kappa. I have three children, two stepchildren and three grandchildren.

MY PRACTICE

FAMILY LAW. I believe that every case is different just as people are different. Most people who come to a divorce lawyer are confused and sometimes anxious. I can help you work through this stressful time in your life. I will work hard to get you the settlement you are expecting. Your children deserve to be supported. You deserve the best settlement possible.

If you have never been married to the other parent of your child, you have what is called a paternity or custody case. Well over 50% of my practice involves paternity/custody cases. I can help you obtain custody or, obtain a fair and reasonable schedule with your child. Children deserve to know both of their parents and deserve to have the love and affection from all extended family members.

I can also help you obtain or defend against an Order for Protection or a Harassment Restraining Order. I was a contract attorney for the Family Violence Network and litigated and negotiated hundreds of Orders for Protection.

If you are a grandparent or other family member and need to seek custody of a child, I can help you with the often confusing laws and specific criteria surrounding this important issue. I can help grandparents obtain a court order to see their grandchildren.

CRIMINAL LAW. If you have been accused of a crime, I will fight for you in court. Most criminal law cases are settled with the prosecutor without going to trial. With my experience in negotiation and settlement, let me help you obtain the best result possible for your misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony. I can help you with driver's license problems, too.

As I mentioned above, I have negotiated numerous cases. My background consists of alternative dispute resolution education. In other words, I have taken special training in how to reach a fair settlement that people can live with. The current expectation in divorce law is that both parties will attempt settlement prior to letting a judge decide. It is often much better for you to reach a settlement than to have a judge (who does not know your family) make life-impacting decisions about you. In criminal court, the judge also expects an attempt at settlement.

FEES. A word about fees. With my experience, I am able to offer flat fees depending on the case, hourly fees or payment plans for your legal issues. That way you will know exactly how much you will be paying. There will be no surprises. I offer Visa, Mastercard or Discover services, too. Mediation fees are offered at $50 per hour if you have a fee waiver Order from the Court.

Call me today for a free one-half hour consultation.

Mary brings years of experience to her law practice. As a Family Law Attorney, she spent 10 years as a Staff Attorney and Volunteer Attorney at Legal Aid. Mary was also one of the key members of the panel who founded the Washington County Legal Advice Clinic.

Mary also held a contract to represent victims of domestic abuse with the Family Violence Network now known as Tubman.

Mary has started her Mediation practice. She offers you her years of experience in reaching respectful settlements to help you and your family. ﻿